Business owners debate Pulaski Boulevard proposal

"You talk about the B-1 zoning and the overlay existing together and it just doesn't mix," said John Murray, owner of Pulaski's Pro Pool and Spa.

The overlay district, to be voted on at Town Meeting next week, seeks to revitalize the boulevard by converting it to New England-style buildings mixing residential and commercial space - not possible under current zoning.

If approved, business owners have the option of reaping the benefits of more lenient zoning laws, but they have to adhere to certain guidelines, said Pulaski Boulevard subcommittee member Mary Chaves.

Guidelines include New England-style architecture requirements, 15 percent open space per lot, parking on the side or in the back of the building and landscape buffers, said Chaves.

Town officials think the overlay is a win-win situation, but some residents don't agree.

"The reason people could be against it is it's a change they don't understand," said Daniel Ranieri, who owns property on Pulaski. "Needing a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting - that makes it even more difficult."

"So if Rocky's Hardware burnt down (after the bylaw was passed) and they wanted to rebuild it as it is today, would they be able to do it?" asked Shayna Murray, of Pro Pool and Spa.

The short answer, said subcommittee member Roland Laprade, is yes.

"You can give it or take it as a property owner," said Justin Sellars, of Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the consulting firm that's helped the town develop an overlay district bylaw.

In other words, a business owner on Pulaski doesn't have to do anything if this bylaw passes, and future developers can still build according to current zoning.

Lots must be 30,000 square feet in Zone A, the Crook's Corner area and Stop & Shop area, and 20,000 square feet in Zone B, which includes all others areas in the zone, in order to develop under the overlay, said Laprade.

Since most lots on Pulaski are much smaller than that, this encourages developers to consolidate, said Chaves.

"Lot consolidations are key," said Chaves. "Just with that you'll get a higher price for your property than you would currently."

"What we're proposing is exactly what exists right now," said Laprade. "We're just beautifying it."

"The buildings are all rundown because no one wants to invest in a rundown area," said Laprade.

Murray believes the area is rundown because the town continues to make zoning restrictions worse for businesses.

"Now you're trying to bring residents in, so they can complain about how businesses operate," said Murray. "In my opinion, residents don't belong near businesses."

Murray is concerned he'll have to start operating his business hours around residents living around him, he said.

"If someone is building condos above these areas, they're going to know its a business area," said Sue Ranieri, who owns property on Pulaski and is in favor of the overlay.